Berry Happy With Trials Of Waterhouse Duo

Leading Sydney jockey Tommy Berry partnered Pornichet and Diamond Drille in their respective barrier trials at Royal Randwick yesterday and was happy with the efforts of both gallopers.

Pornichet impressed jockey Tommy Berry with his effort in a barrier trial at Royal Randwick yesterday. Photo by: Sarah Ebbett

Pornichet contested the second barrier trial of the morning over 1050 metres and was settled towards the tail of the field by Berry before hitting the line strongly to finish fourth behind Sarajevo.

Berry admitted that Pornichet did not settle as well as he liked throughout the trial, but was still impressed with the effort of the Vespone entire and he believes he will take plenty of benefit out of the trial.

“Pornichet jumped well and he travelled nice at the back of the field,” Berry said.

“He went a bit keen at some stages, but he is on the fresh side and this was only his first trial.

“He quickened to the line quiet well and got a little bit tired late.

“He has definitely improved from his last preparation, he is coming along nice and you will see a lot more from him when he has his second trial.”

Diamond Drille won the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) during the 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and was touted as a Cox Plate hopeful by trainer Gai Waterhouse, but she failed to fire in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1300m), Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) during her spring campaign.

The Al Maher mare was having her first barrier trial this preparation over 1050 metres, but was still able to hit the line strongly and finish second behind Farolitos in an effort that more than satisfied Berry.

“She is just one of those honest mares that comes back every prep and gives 110 percent,” Berry said.

“She has a bit of that residual fitness from the spring, she is going very well and I am very happy with where she is.

“She showed a bit of speed today in her trial and she was strong to the line, but she has had a good blow and will take plenty of improvement.”

Waterhouse is yet to reveal what path Pornichet will follow during the 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, while Diamond Drille will likely be given the chance to defend her Queen Of The Turf Stakes crown.

Author: Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.